Braided Cardamom Bread (Bread Machine Dough)

Add 3/4 cup milk, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 teaspoon table or sea salt, 3/4 teaspoon cardamom, 1 large egg, 1/4 cup butter, 3 cups all-purpose unbleached flour, and 2 teaspoons bread machine or instant yeast to the bread machine pan in the order given. Select the DOUGH cycle.

Open the lid after a minute and check to ensure the paddles are engaged and working correctly. The dough should start to clump.

Recheck your dough again after 15-18 minutes. The dough should stick to the sides, then pull away cleanly. See the video to watch this in action. Note how shiny and elastic the dough is.If you aren't sure if your dough looks right, read more about this surprising secret that will help you make fabulous bread every time.

When the DOUGH cycle is completed, the dough should be smooth, elastic, and risen to double the original size. Remove the dough from the pan to a lightly floured surface.

Divide into 3 balls and let the dough relax for about 10 minutes.

Roll each ball into a long rope approximately 14 inches long. Braid these shapes, pinching ends under, securely. Place the braid on a prepared cookie sheet

Set aside to rise again until the braid is not quite double the original size.

Preheat oven to 375˚F (190˚C).

Brush 2 tablespoons milk over the braid and carefully sprinkle with sugar.

Bake at 375˚F (190˚C) for 20 to 25 minutes. If necessary, cover with foil for the last 10 minutes to prevent over-browning.

Cool on a wire rack before slicing.